A MAN has died and a woman is in a critical condition following a two car crash in Chard.

Emergency services rushed to the scene at 4.50pm on Hornsbury Hill A358 yesterday following reports of a two car collision between a Suzuki and a Mercedes van.

One man was declared dead at the scene.

One woman was airlifted to Southmead Hospital in Bristol, where she remains in a critical condition.

It is not yet known if next of kin have been informed.

Police have now launched an investigation into the crash and are appealing for witnesses following the crash.

The road was closed for several hours as emergency services worked, and an investigation was launched.

Firefighters from Chard were also called to the scene to cut the people out of the cars.

A spokesman from Avon and Somerset Police said: “We are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision in Chard yesterday (Sunday).

“The collision happened at about 4.50pm on the A358 at Hornsbury Hill.

“A Suzuki car was travelling along the A358 towards the A303 when it was in collision with a Mercedes lorry and trailer.

“The male front seat passenger in the car suffered serious injuries and died at the scene shortly afterwards.

“The female driver of the car was taken to Southmead Hospital, where she remains in a critical condition.

“A detailed examination of the scene was carried out by collision investigators and the road was re-opened shortly after 9pm.

“We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the investigation who may have information to help our enquiries.

“Anyone able to help is asked to contact collision investigators on 101, quoting CI-94-16-1053.”

A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue added: "On arrival crews found there to be a road traffic collision involving a light vehicle and a HGV.

"Crews got to work creating space and making the scene safe prior to extricating the persons in the vehicles."

The team used hydraulic cutting equipment to release the two casualties from the vehicles.